December 2, 2010

Elected Officials Webinar Series, January 2011Special, one-time-only low rate of $25 per attendee to participate in all three webinars!

The League is excited to offer a three-part elected officials webinar series! The webinars consist of the core topics that will help educate first-time elected officials, as well as seasoned officials, on the basic functions they will need to know in their roles as public leaders.

The first session, on January 11, 2011, will give attendees an overview of basic local government, the foundation and history that Michigan government was built upon, and the roles and responsibilities elected officials have as part of their council or commission. The second session, on January 18, 2011, and third session, on January 25, 2011, will continue covering the laws and regulations of the Open Meetings Act (OMA) and the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

The Elected Officials Academy (EOA) board has adopted an additional advocacy credit for all new participants enrolled on or after January 1, 2011. The credit will be part of each level in the three-level program offered to mayors, presidents, councilmembers, commissioners, trustees, and elected administrative officials, such as clerks and treasurers, as an opportunity to expand their knowledge and expertise.

On January 20, 2011, the EOA will host an Advocacy Workshop at the League Capital Office in Lansing. This workshop will focus on the legislative issues in Lansing and Washington that the League is involved with and the background of those issues, including revenue sharing, transportation funding, PA 312, and more. Elected officials will also discover the League’s role in policymaking, legislative lobbying, and how each League member can get involved. Attendance will count toward completion of Level 1 for all new enrollees.

When it comes to social media, communities have two choices: Learn how to use this powerful communications tool— or get "abused" by it. It’s time to take your community’s message into your own hands and social media is the way to do it.

A one-hour webinar session by the Michigan Municipal League will give you the tools you need to create a successful online media campaign. We’ll talk about Facebook, Twitter, and up-and-coming tools such as Foursquare and Gowalla. You’ll also learn how to get the most out of social media within the many time and financial constraints facing municipalities.

Use the latest social media tools to inform your residents about the good things happening in your city, village, or urban township.

Stop replying on your local newspaper, radio station or TV news to tell residents about the recent recognition received by a staff member or the union contract amicably negotiated.

Combat the naysayers and tackle the rumors before they spread like an Internet virus.

Hear how Michigan communities just like yours are already using social media to change perceptions and promote the assets of their community. Registration available next week at www.mml.org!